2017’sCall of Duty: WW2was recently thrust back into the spotlight thanks to the game’s newly added presence on the popular Xbox Game Pass service. The title now stands as only the fourth mainlineCall of Dutytitle to make its way to the subscription service, with more entries being expected to make their way over to Game Pass over the coming months. While not the most popularCall of Dutyentry, many returning and brand-new fans predictably flocked to check out the title.
However, this renewed burst of popularity forCall of Duty: WW2has quickly been overshadowed by controversy, with some serious issues being reported with the PC Game Pass version of the title. Through a mix of things like rampant cheating and glaring security issues, many are labeling the PC Game Pass version ofWW2as dangerous even to play, putting a significant dampener on what otherwise should have been a moment of celebration.
Call of Duty: WW2 On PC Game Pass is in Desperate Need of Some Changes
Call of Duty: WW2was added to Xbox Game Pass on June 30, becoming available across all tiers of the service as well as the popular PC Game Pass. The addition ofCoDgames to Game Pass appears to be one of the main ways Microsoft is getting value out of itsrecord-breaking acquisition of Activision, althoughWW2is currently doing more harm than good for the franchise in its current state.
Console versions ofCall of Duty: WW2appear to be working relatively as intended, but PC players were quick to note serious issues in the way of cheating and potential malware. Many PC players have reported falling victim to remote code executions while playingWW2on PC Game Pass, allowing hackers to hijack computers, open unsavory browser windows, and install malware onto players' desktops.
This issue seems to be confined entirely toCall of Duty: WW2’s multiplayer gameplay, meaning PC players can still freely engage with the game’s campaign without fear. Even away from these more serious issues, standard PC matchmaking forWW2is reportedly plagued with cheating players. If anything, this showcases the wider issues that Microsoft is going to face in terms of reviving olderCall of Dutymultiplayer modes.
Rumors suggest that beloved past titles likeWorld at Warand 2009’sMW2might soon make their way to Game Pass, where cheater-filled lobbies may be even more of an issue.
The Hacking and Cheating Issues Will Likely Go Beyond Call of Duty: WW2
Anti-cheat remains a major issue forCall of Dutyto this day, and the more primitive anti-cheat measures of titles likeWW2are ripe for exploitation. These issues have only been exacerbated by Microsoft massively expanding the game’s playerbase directly through Game Pass, with players hoping for an official statement and fix for these issues as soon as possible. It may be quite a difficult task for such an old game to support this number of players and potential bad actors, regardless of any Microsoft intervention, only adding to the controversy currently swirling aroundWW2.
The concept of Xbox being able to revive olderCall of Dutytitles has always been floated as one of the main benefits of Xbox Game Pass going forward, though some of the most iconic past titles have been deeply broken for some time now.
WithCoDstudios having to maintain the massive demands of annual releases alongside this added pressure of maintaining the online integrity of older entries, Microsoft may have to re-evaluateCoD’s relationship with Game Passgoing forward. While console players can still dive intoCall of Duty: WW2without worry, the potential severity of the issues faced by some PC players makes the controversy surrounding the game loud and very understandable.
Call of Duty: WWII
WHERE TO PLAY
Call of Duty® returns to its roots with Call of Duty®: WWII - a breathtaking experience that redefines World War II for a new gaming generation. Land in Normandy on D-Day and battle across Europe through iconic locations in history’s most monumental war. Experience classic Call of Duty combat, the bonds of camaraderie, and the unforgiving nature of war against a global power throwing the world into tyranny.Call of Duty®: WWII creates the definitive World War II next generation experience across three different game modes: Campaign, Multiplayer, and Co-Operative. Featuring stunning visuals, the Campaign transports players to the European theater as they engage in an all-new Call of Duty® story set in iconic World War II battles. Multiplayer marks a return to original, boots-on-the ground Call of Duty gameplay. Authentic weapons and traditional run-and-gun action immerse you in a vast array of World War II-themed locations. The Co-Operative mode unleashes a new and original story in a standalone game experience full of unexpected, adrenaline-pumping moments.
